WORLD’S TALLEST CHRISTIAN STATUES (continued)

Christ of Peace

Cochabamba, Bolivia (34 meters)

The statue of Christ of Peace in Bolivia is (again to the consternation of many Brazilians) the tallest statue of Jesus in Latin America. Completed in 1994, its design was clearly inspired by Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, but thanks to its later construction has surpassed its more famous rival in size. Like many other titanic statues, visitors can ascend inside. However, the viewing areas are not in the head, but actually in the arms. Along with the statue of Mary in Oruro, Bolivia boasts the second largest statue of each figure in the world.

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Our Lady of the Sacred Heart

Mirabel-Ain, France (33 meters)

The statue of Notre Dame de Sacre Coeur is the largest statue of the Virgin Mary in Europe and the tallest religious statue in France. Also known as The Madonna, it honors Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, one of the most popular patrons of Catholics in France. It was completed in the years leading up to World War II (the finishing touches were placed right around the time the Germans captured Paris). It has become a popular place of pilgrimage since the end of the war.

In addition, there are two very honorable mentions, both in Brazil:

St. Rita of Cascia – Santa Cruz, Brazil (42 meters)

St. Francis of Caninde – Caninde, Brazil (31 meters)

Both Rita of Cascia and Francis of Assisi were Italian saints that have achieved great importance in their respective cities of Santa Cruz and Caninde in Brazil. They are both honored with statues in the cities that hold them as patrons. These are the world’s two largest statues featuring Christian figures aside from Jesus and Mary. Both were completed in the 21st century, and each one is taller than the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro (the statue of St. Francis topping it be mere inches).

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